On the evening of the third day of the Lunar New Year, Magistrate Zhang sent another visiting card. After obtaining permission from the Lu family, he paid them a visit on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, the day they welcomed the God of Wealth.
This time, it wasn't just the Zhang family who came to visit, but also Liu Yuexiang's parents, the couple who were the county magistrates from the neighboring county.
In his previous visiting letter, Magistrate Zhang had already explained his purpose, and the Lu family was not opposed to it; in fact, they were quite happy to accept it.
The two girls wanted to become Lotus's disciples, which was essentially Lotus's business. The tuition fees for their teaching were also given to Lotus. This way, Lotus could not only gain fame, but also hone her skills.
The Lu family would not refuse a deal that would benefit both sides.
The fact that the Lu family agreed to the visit naturally meant that Lianhua was willing to accept them as disciples, so both families brought very generous gifts when they visited.
When the Lu family saw these lavish gifts, they immediately realized that both sides had misunderstood each other.
The Lu family's offer to take in Zhang Lanxiang and Liu Yuexiang was merely a transaction like those in Fucheng, where they would do things for money. They wouldn't be considered true master and apprentice, and their relationship wouldn't be particularly close.
But the Zhang and Liu families were thinking of a proper apprenticeship, the kind where a teacher for a day is a father for life...
So, during the Lunar New Year, the three families sat facing each other at the Lu family's house, feeling awkward and uncomfortable.
The Zhang and Liu families realized they had misunderstood and wished they could disappear into a hole. They had originally thought that by relying on this relationship, they would be much more prestigious when they went out in the future. Even if they didn't dare to act arrogantly, they would still have a great reputation.
But now, it's a blatant way of telling them: you're dreaming, don't even think about it next time.
"Haha, we were presumptuous. We didn't ask clearly beforehand. We hope Miss Lotus won't take offense."
Magistrate Zhang spoke awkwardly. In fact, they knew a little about it, but they were still willing to give it a try. What if they agreed?
However, given the current situation, it is clearly not feasible.
The Lu family naturally understood their little scheme, but they didn't expose it. Generally speaking, Magistrate Zhang had no grudges against their family. This was just a common tactic that people would have, and it was understandable.
"It's alright, it's good that you know now. But I'm going to the prefectural city after the New Year, I wonder if it would be convenient for you two ladies?"
Lotus smiled generously, not taking their petty scheme to heart.
Seeing that she didn't mind, Liu Yuexiang breathed a sigh of relief. She had warned her parents before not to do such a thing, as it would be a loss if they offended someone.
Her real purpose was simply to learn how to do business from Lianhua and, incidentally, to get to know Lu Xiaoyang. She didn't want to casually use the Lu family's connections.
If the Lu family's connections were so easy to leverage, they would have been completely stolen and wiped clean in big cities like the prefectural city and the capital. How could they, as insignificant people, possibly have a chance?
"That'll be perfect! We can rent a small courtyard in the city and stay there. It'll be so convenient!"
Liu Yuexiang readily agreed, her excitement genuine.
One day, she will be able to make those around her look at her with new respect, and even her parents, with new respect, all through her own abilities.
"That's good. We're heading to the prefectural city on the eighth day of the first lunar month. You can come with us, or you can come slowly after the Lantern Festival."
Lotus was thinking that she would be in the prefectural city for a while, so they could go whenever they wanted.
"Then I'll go with you on the eighth day of the month. It's better to go earlier so we can learn more!"
Liu Yuexiang wished she could move next door to the Lu family right now. For some reason, she just felt that Lianhua was very charming and attracted her at all times.
Liu Yuexiang only regretted that she wasn't a man, otherwise she would definitely marry Lianhua!
Just as she was feeling indignant about her gender, she heard Old Man Lu say, "That's perfect. You can all come to our house for the wedding banquet on the seventh day of the new year. My Leizi and Lianhua are having their engagement banquet that day, so it'll be a good opportunity for everyone to have some fun."
"What?"
Liu Yuexiang's eyes widened. Lianhua was going to get engaged to Lu Zilei?
I didn't hear anything about their engagement when they came to pay New Year's visits on the second day of the Lunar New Year!
Otherwise, so many people wouldn't have wanted to marry into the Lu family that day.
However, she later heard that those people's posts were rejected because the two of them were already engaged. She subconsciously thought it was just an excuse to appease people, but she didn't expect it to be true!
Ah, this...
She was just fantasizing about turning into a man and marrying Lotus, and now she's about to witness another man getting engaged to Lotus!
She overreacted, standing up abruptly, drawing everyone's attention.
The Lu family raised an eyebrow. Could it be that Miss Liu has taken a liking to Lei Zi?
She can't stay by Lianhua's side, who knows what she might do to Lianhua?
The Lu family cannot afford to be careless when it comes to the safety of Lotus.
Just as she was thinking about how to refuse Liu Yuexiang's offer to become her apprentice, she heard Liu Yuexiang ask Lianhua, "Miss Lianhua, you're still so young, why are you already engaged? Is there some unspeakable reason?"
Lianhua also felt that she might be interested in Leizi, but seeing the caring look on her face, she couldn't bring herself to be suspicious.
"Lianhua and Leizi are in love, and we, as elders, are happy to see the two children together, so we thought we should arrange their marriage first."
Sun watched as Liu Yuexiang gave a brief explanation, then secretly sized her up. If she really had impure thoughts, she couldn't let her have the chance to provoke Lei Zi.
“But…but Young Master Lu is still young and hasn’t passed the imperial examinations yet. Shouldn’t Miss Lianhua consider it further? You’re such a good girl; perhaps you can meet someone even better…”
Lei Zi:......
The Lu family: ...
The Zhang and Liu families: ...
When she first opened her mouth, everyone thought she had taken a liking to Lei Zi, but the more they listened, the more something seemed off.
She immediately criticized Lei Zi for being too young and not having passed the imperial examinations. If she had any designs on Lei Zi, she shouldn't have offended him in front of so many people.
"Yuexiang, what nonsense are you spouting, you silly girl?"
When Liu Yuexiang's mother, Zhang, saw her daughter being so stubborn, she was startled. She quickly stepped forward, pulled her over to sit down, whispered a few words of advice, and then apologized to the Lu family with a smile.
Madam Yu smiled naturally and said, "Yes, it's a blessing that my Leizi is engaged to Lianhua. It's a blessing he earned in his past life."
He Jiuniang, however, understood instantly when she saw Liu Yuexiang's regretful expression as she looked at the lotus flower.
This girl had absolutely no interest in Lei Zi. She hadn't looked at him once since she came in, but had been staring at Lianhua the whole time.
However, she didn't have any ulterior motives towards Lianhua; it was simply admiration and worship, like a devoted fan.
It seems this girl is a good match. If we keep her by Lianhua's side and nurture her well, she might become Lianhua's capable assistant.
Liu Yuexiang realized she had misspoke and quickly corrected herself, saying, "Please don't misunderstand, everyone. I was just too surprised that Miss Lianhua got engaged so quickly. But I sincerely wish her well. When the two of you get engaged the day after tomorrow, I will definitely prepare a grand gift for Miss Lianhua!"
She smiled sweetly at the lotus flower, leaving everyone completely bewildered.
This is completely different from what they imagined.
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